‎Why Senate Rejects Makinde’s UN Probe Call Over Ogbomoso Rescue

The Senate has urged Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, to withdraw his call for a United Nations-led investigation into the abduction and rescue of schoolchildren and teachers kidnapped in Oriire Local Government Area of the state, describing the request as unnecessary and politically motivated.

‎The resolution followed the adoption of an additional prayer moved by Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) during plenary on Tuesday, as lawmakers debated a motion commending President Bola Tinubu, the Armed Forces and other security agencies for the successful rescue of the victims after 56 days in captivity.

‎The substantive motion, sponsored by Senate Leader Opeyemi Bamidele and co-sponsored by 108 senators, praised the coordinated efforts of security agencies in securing the victims’ release.

Governor Makinde had earlier called on the United Nations and international human rights organisations to investigate the circumstances surrounding the May 15 abduction of pupils and teachers from educational institutions in Oriire LGA and the subsequent rescue operation.

According to the governor, the proposed investigation was aimed at strengthening public confidence in state institutions, establishing the truth and ensuring accountability for anyone found culpable, regardless of status or affiliation.

‎However, Senator Oshiomhole faulted the request, describing it as “not statesmanly” and an example of “politics taken too far.”

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‎He argued that seeking an international investigation into the rescue operation trivialised the sacrifices made by security personnel and urged the Senate to formally call on the governor to withdraw the demand.

The motion was seconded by Senator Aniekan Bassey (Akwa Ibom North-East).

‎ Although the initial voice vote was inconclusive, Deputy Senate President Barau Jibrin, who presided over the session, called for a second vote, with the “ayes” carrying the day.

‎During the debate, senators across party lines applauded the military and security agencies for the successful operation while urging them to intensify efforts to secure the release of other victims still being held by kidnappers across the country.

Senator Abdulfatai Buhari (Oyo North), whose constituency includes the affected community, expressed gratitude to the Federal Government and the military for rescuing the victims.

‎He said the operation had brought relief to the people of the area and expressed hope that similar successes would be replicated in other parts of the country.

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‎Senator Adamu Aliero (Kebbi Central) called on the Armed Forces to sustain the momentum by securing the release of other schoolchildren still in captivity, particularly in Borno State.

‎Echoing the appeal, Senator Tahir Monguno (Borno North) urged the military to demonstrate the same urgency in rescuing abducted children in his state.

‎Senator Victor Umeh (Anambra Central) said the successful operation had renewed public confidence in Nigeria’s security forces, noting that the rescue demonstrated that seemingly impossible security challenges could be overcome through coordinated action.

‎Senator Abdul Ningi (Bauchi Central) urged the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu, to sustain the inter-agency collaboration that led to the successful operation and replicate it in other security interventions nationwide.

‎Similarly, Senator Abdulaziz Yar’Adua (Katsina Central) called on the military to maintain the momentum until all Nigerians held captive by criminal groups regain their freedom.

In its resolutions, the Senate commended President Tinubu for what it described as his decisive leadership and commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s security architecture.

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‎The lawmakers also praised the Chief of Defence Staff, service chiefs, the National Security Adviser, the Inspector-General of Police, the Department of State Services (DSS), the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and other security personnel involved in the rescue operation.

‎The Senate congratulated the rescued pupils, teachers and their families while observing a minute’s silence in honour of military personnel—F. A. Isaac, Silas Musa and Abena John Jerome—who lost their lives during the mission.

‎Lawmakers also commended Adamu Hussain for his bravery despite sustaining injuries during the operation and urged the relevant authorities to provide him with the best medical care and ensure he receives all his welfare entitlements.

‎The upper chamber further called on the Federal Government to strengthen military and intelligence operations through improved equipment, surveillance technology, logistics, intelligence gathering and enhanced welfare for security personnel.

‎It also urged the prompt payment of pensions, insurance claims, death benefits and other entitlements owed to the families of fallen security officers, while encouraging Nigerians to continue supporting security agencies with credible intelligence to enhance the fight against terrorism, banditry and kidnapping.

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